Wednesday, 22 September 2010

Justice Minister Warns that Northern Ireland is a Staging Post for Human Trafficking Emigrate.co.uk News: "Northern Ireland is a “staging post” for human traffickers. He said that trade passes between Scotland and the Republic of Ireland. This is a growing problem for the people of Ireland.
David Ford said that there is no doubt in his mind that Northern Ireland is a staging post between Scotland and the Republic. This is happening on a widespread basis. A Scotland-based crime gang suspected of trafficking women to work as prostitutes in Belfast was arrested this month. Ford went on to say that gangs are creating a culture of fear, and men must become more aware of the effects of what they are doing.
Just recently an amended motion condemning human trafficking was passed in the Norther Ireland Assembly. The Ulster Unionist Party has called on Northern Ireland to be turned into a hostile territory for human traffickers.
Alliance Party MLA, Anna Lo, said that it is essential that there is also cooperation with the Republic of Ireland and other countries in the European Union. This is the only way that this problem can truly be handled and dealt with.
Sinn Fein’s Billy Leonard, called for more cooperation between police forces to combat this growing problem. He said that policing is key to resolving this ever growing problem, and there needs to be a harsher approach against those who, not only exploit these unfortunate people, but also for those who use the people for sexual gratification. This is something that everyone has to work together on in order to take control of the situation."